Paulette Ann Meikle, Ph. D.

 

Areas of Professional Interests

 

Dr. Meikle has 15 years of experience in developing, implementing, and devaluating community development projects that build social capital and enhance community capacity. Also, she has conducted extensive field work in international settings on issues related to integrating aspects of resource management and information technology with research in community development.  She has special expertise in participatory fieldwork, leading focus groups, and ethnographic research. She is proficient in web design and publishing, Microsoft applications software, Internet and Internet tools, Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and Arc View- Geographic Information System Software.

 

Professional Employment History

 

  • 2005 – to date: Assistant Professor of Community Development and Sociology, Delta State University,  Cleveland, Mississippi

 

  • 2002-2005: Graduate Research Assistant, Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University

 

  • 2001-2005: Instructor, Department of Sociology, Mississippi State University.

 

  • 1998-2000: Information Coordinator/Webmaster, “Jamaica Sustainable Development Networking Program,” University of the West Indies (UWI), Kingston, Jamaica

 

  • 1995-1996: Research Associate, Center of Environmental Management, University of West Indies

 

  • 1990-2000: Rural Development Sociologist for various internationally sponsored development projects in Jamaica

 

  • 1990-1993: Instructor/tutor, Department of Geography, University of  West Indies.

 

Publications and Presentations

 

“The Effects of Global Agriculture Trade on Vulnerable Social and Natural Systems in Jamaica”  Caribbean Geography,  2006

 

“Democracy Satisfaction: The Role of Individual Trust” Submitted for publication, Sociological Perspectives Journal,, under review, 2006

 

“Democracy Satisfaction: Role of Civic Engagement in Local Communities,” Submitted for publication, Journal of Community Development, under review, 2006

 

With Jerry Robinson, Jr., “Signature Projects:  A Concept for Extension Educators,” Submitted to Journal of Extension, under review, 2006.

 

More than 15 presentations at national and international meetings such as the Rural Sociological Society; the Community Development Society; The Southern Sociological Society; ISLE Philippines  Program Symposium; ISLE Curriculum Workshop; Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia; and the British Caribbean Conference, Royal Holloway College, University of London

Selected Professional Consulting Clients

 

Business Research and Agriculture Consultants, Ltd; Dalhousie University; European Union; Food and Agriculture Organization; Ministry of Agriculture, Jamaica; Rio Grande Valley Project; University Philippines; University of West Indies; University of Prince Edward;  and, World Bank.

 

Professional Memberships

 

Alabama/Mississippi Sociological Association; Community Development Society; Mid-South Sociological Society; Rural Sociological Society; Partners of the Americas; and, Alpha Kappa

 

Education

 

  • Ph.D. Rural Sociology and Community Sociology, GPA 3.95, Mississippi State University, 2006

 

  • Part-time Ph.D. student in Environmental Management, University of West Indies, 1998-2001

 

  • Master of Philosophy,  Agricultural Geography, University of West Indies, 1993

 

  • B.A. with honors, Geography and Social Sciences, University of West Indies, 1987